Is there a train to Norfolk?

Yes, Amtrak provides service to Norfolk via the Northeast Regional line.

How long is the drive?

The drive typically takes 8 hours.

Some routes in the Hampton Roads area have tolls.

What is the best time to leave?

Leaving before dawn helps avoid traffic in the major cities.

Is it a scenic drive?

The mountain portion is scenic, but the coastal portion is mostly flat.

Cashiers

Norfolk

Driving

Cashiers to Norfolk

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Cashiers to Norfolk covers approximately 750 km, taking you across the entire width of North Carolina and into coastal Virginia. You will navigate through the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Piedmont, and finally the Tidewater region. The route primarily utilizes I-40 East to I-95 North, eventually connecting to I-64 East. This is a long-haul drive that typically requires 8 hours of travel time. You will experience a dramatic change in landscape from high-altitude forests to the flat, coastal plains of the Atlantic.

Total Distance: 750 km driving distance; 620 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via I-40 and I-64 is the fastest route, taking 8 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving your own vehicle is the most practical and cost-effective method.

Compare Cashiers to Norfolk Routes

Driving

Direct

Duration

8 hours

Avg Price

$80-$100 in fuel

Operator

Personal Vehicle

Route

NC-107 N to I-40 E, I-95 N, and I-64 E.

The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel can experience significant delays during peak hours.

Travel Tips

Tunnel Traffic
Check the status of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel before entering the area.
Rest Stops
Rocky Mount, NC is a good midpoint for a meal break.
Coastal Weather
Be prepared for sudden coastal storms; keep your headlights on.
Parking
Downtown Norfolk has several public parking garages near the waterfront.
Navigation
Use a GPS with real-time traffic updates to navigate around Richmond and Hampton Roads.

Safety Tips

Speed Limits
Virginia has strict speeding laws; keep to the posted limits.
Fatigue
This is a long drive; plan for at least two major stops to stretch.
Emergency Supplies
Keep extra water and snacks in the car for the long stretches of highway.
Vehicle Maintenance
Check your oil and coolant levels before departing for this long trip.